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11
Aug 2022
Report reveals extent of ground issues at Ripon Leisure Centre
A report has revealed the extent of ground stability issues at Ripon Leisure Centre, which are set to cost £3.5 million to repair.
The findings from engineering firm Stantec spell out more bad news for the venue’s new swimming pool and refurbishment project, which is already over budget and more than a year overdue.
The new pool opened this year, but plans for a larger gym and exercise studios have been delayed after an underground void was discovered at the site.
This prompted an investigation by Stantec which has now revealed evidence of multiple voids and “significantly weak” areas of ground beneath the older half of the leisure centre, which was built in 1995.
It has warned that not carrying out remedial repairs would be “unacceptable from a public safety perspective”. The report said:
The existing leisure centre adjoins the new pool
Ripon is susceptible to sinkholes because it lies on a layer of water-soluble rock called gypsum.
In 2018, a sinkhole opened up outside the leisure centre before Harrogate Borough Council approved the new pool plans a year later despite some councillors raising “deep concerns” over ground stability issues.
The council has continually insisted that professional advice has made it clear that the site is “safe to use”.
However, the repairs required are now proving costly and causing long delays for the refurbishment project.
Read more:
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Stantec’s report said foundations were not driven deep enough into the ground when the leisure centre was built 27 years ago and that it remains unclear why this happened as “many critical records” are missing.
It added that if the foundations were to fail because of this, it was unlikely to be “catastrophic”.
The voids are believed to be part of a “network” of underground holes beneath the leisure centre – some of which were “successfully” repaired during the construction of the new swimming pool.
Grouting – where material is pumped into the ground – is likely to be used again during the repairs, although Stantec added more assessments and monitoring will be required on top of this.
The report said:
If approved by senior councillors next week, the remedial works would start in December with refurbishment set for completion in spring 2024.
The works would mean the leisure centre would have to partially close for at least 10 months from November.
A temporary gym in the venue’s car park has been proposed and will cost an additional £300,000, while the new pool would remain open throughout.
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